John Prine was an American singer-songwriter and folk musician who left an indelible mark on the music industry with his heartfelt lyrics, clever storytelling, and unique blend of folk, country, and Americana. Born on October 10, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois, Prine’s songs captured the essence of everyday life, often exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
Prine’s career began in the early 1970s when he emerged as part of the vibrant folk music scene in Chicago. His self-titled debut album, released in 1971, showcased his distinctive songwriting style and earned critical acclaim. Songs like “Sam Stone,” “Hello in There,” and “Angel from Montgomery” demonstrated his ability to weave poignant stories and evoke deep emotions through his music.
Known for his evocative and insightful lyrics, Prine’s songs often possessed a wry sense of humor and a keen observation of the world around him. He had a knack for capturing the ordinary and turning it into something extraordinary. His warm, raspy voice and gentle guitar-playing added a sense of intimacy to his performances.
Over the course of his career, Prine released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “Sweet Revenge,” “Bruised Orange,” and “The Missing Years.” His songs were covered by numerous artists, and his influence extended far beyond the folk music community. Prine’s songwriting prowess and ability to connect with audiences garnered him a devoted fan base.
Despite battling health issues throughout his life, Prine continued to create music and perform until his passing on April 7, 2020. His contributions to the folk and Americana genres were recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
John Prine’s legacy as a songwriter and storyteller remains unparalleled. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience with honesty, wit, and compassion endeared him to listeners around the world. His songs continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal and enduring impact, making him a revered figure in the world of folk and Americana music.
1. “You Never Even Called Me By My Name”
This song is a classic from John Prine's repertoire that has captured the hearts of many listeners over the years. It tells the story of a man who reflects on his past relationship and the hurt he experienced when his partner didn't even bother to call him by name. The lyrics are simple yet profound, and Prine's voice delivers them with utmost sincerity.
The melody is carried by an acoustic guitar, with subtle country influences that add to its charm. One of the most memorable lines in the song is when Prine jokingly claims that it's "the perfect country and western song" because it mentions "mama", "trains", "trucks", and "prison". This playful nod to traditional country music makes the song even more enjoyable.
It's no surprise that “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” continues to be a fan favorite and a staple in John Prine's live performances. The song is not only relatable but also showcases Prine's ability to convey complex emotions through his music in a way that resonates with listeners.
As someone who was never one for self-promotion or celebrity status, John Prine will always be remembered as one of the best storytellers in American music history. His legacy lives on through songs like this one, which remind us of what matters most in life – connection, love, and empathy.
Listening to 'Illegal Smile' is like getting away with a musical misdemeanor.
2. “Illegal Smile”
This song, often dubbed as a classic, comes second on our list of '10 Best John Prine Songs of All Time.' 'Illegal Smile' is an iconic track from his eponymous debut album released in 1971. Its upbeat tune and lyrics adorned with irony paint a picture of someone trying to find happiness while living within the constraints of society. Its catchy melody topped with intricate wordplay makes it a fan favorite even after all these years.
“‘Mental Cruelty’ may not be the happiest song on the list, but hey, neither is 2020.”
3. “Mental Cruelty”
John Prine's heart-wrenching song "Mental Cruelty" depicts the emotional pain of a separated couple torn apart by deceit and dishonesty. The lyrics unravel the story of a man who justifiably claims that his spouse has inflicted mental cruelty upon him. Prine's masterful storytelling approach, combined with his signature sound, adds depth to this powerful piece.
In this melancholic masterpiece, Prine skillfully showcases his ability to convey heartfelt emotions through poetic verses and solemn melodies. "Mental Cruelty" touches upon universal themes such as betrayal, heartbreak, and forgiveness and resonates with listeners on a personal level.
What makes "Mental Cruelty" stand out from Prine's extensive repertoire is its raw portrayal of human emotions delivered in a gentle yet haunting manner. This timeless classic reaffirms John Prine's status as a legendary songwriter whose songs are revered by music enthusiasts worldwide.
One can experience the soul-stirring essence of this song by listening to it at night when all is quiet and peaceful. Another way to connect with this track would be trying to figure out what inspired John Prine to write these poignant lines, which still manage to tug at our heartstrings decades after their creation.
If heaven has a jukebox, John Prine's 'Angel From Montgomery' is definitely on repeat.
4. “Angel From Montgomery”
This John Prine classic tells the story of an older woman reflecting on her life and yearning for something more. The lyrics are poignant, with lines like “How the hell can a person go to work in the morning / And come home in the evening and have nothing to say?” It’s been covered by numerous artists across different genres, but Prine's original version remains one of his most beloved songs. The emotional depth of the lyrics combined with Prine's signature storytelling style make “Angel From Montgomery” a timeless masterpiece in folk music. Don't miss out on experiencing this iconic track.
If you don't think everything is cool after listening to this John Prine song, then you're probably not listening hard enough.
5. “Everything Is Cool”
This John Prine classic, with its deceptively upbeat tune, juxtaposes the narrator’s nonchalant complaints about modern life – boring jobs, traffic jams – with his increasingly dark and disturbing thoughts. The use of humor as a coping mechanism is perhaps most poignant in the chorus: “Everything is cool / Everything’s okay / Why just before last Christmas / My baby went away.” Despite its seemingly lighthearted nature, “Everything Is Cool” is a powerful commentary on modern isolation and loneliness.
Prine’s sardonic wit is on full display here as he reflects on society’s tendency to ignore problems or hide them under the guise of everything being all right. The verses set up this theme with mundane observations about daily life and everyday struggles, while the chorus offers biting sarcasm by claiming that even when terrible things happen, they’re actually for the best. It’s a commentary not only on societal delusions but also on how people use humor to cope with unpleasant realities.
What stands out about “Everything Is Cool” is how it can be both sad and funny at the same time. Prine perfectly captures the absurdity of our collective denial with lyrics like “Had my eyes examined lately / glasses don’t seem to help.” It’s easy to imagine someone singing along to this song and laughing at lyrics like those without truly considering their underlying sadness.
According to Prine himself, “Everything Is Cool” was written after he was diagnosed with cancer in 1998. He said in an interview that writing songs helped him deal with his illness and that he often uses humor to cope with serious issues. Knowing this backstory adds another layer of meaning to an already powerful song.
Even if you're not a fan of country music, you'll still find yourself tapping your foot and singing along to 'In Spite of Ourselves'.
6. “In Spite of Ourselves”
This John Prine classic showcases the singer-songwriter's wit and sense of humor. The song is a duet with Iris Dement, and their chemistry is palpable, making it a standout in Prine's catalog. With playful lyrics that poke fun at the imperfections of relationships, “In Spite of Ourselves” captures the essence of love in an unconventional way. Its catchy melody and raw honesty make it a fan favorite that never gets old.
Listening to 'Some Humans Ain't Human' is like scrolling through Twitter: you can't believe the idiocy you're witnessing, but you just can't look away.
7. “Some Humans Ain’t Human”
This John Prine classic is a scathing critique of the human race and its flaws. Through intricate lyricism and simple guitar accompaniment, Prine masterfully laments the less than stellar traits many people exhibit. However, amidst the harsh criticisms lie moments of grace and humor that have made this song a fan favorite for decades. Its timeless message continues to resonate with listeners all around the world, cementing it as one of Prine's most beloved pieces.
It's no surprise that "Some Humans Ain't Human" sits firmly as number 7 on our list of best John Prine songs. With its poignant message and skilled musicianship, it has earned its place among other iconic tracks in Prine's catalog. The haunting melody and unforgettable lyrics make this tune an impressive display of storytelling superbly evoking feelings of anger, frustration, empathy, and understanding. One thing is certain; listening to this song will inspire many thoughts on what makes us human.
This song was written in 2005 by John Prine himself and can be found on his Fair & Square album. Chances are someone you've met or known has exhibited some of the undesirable behaviors mentioned in the track's lyrics. With honesty and humor in equal measure, Prine reminds us all that we aren't perfect but striving towards being better humans is worth it.
(Source: rollingstone.com)
Sam Stone's drug addiction was so bad, even his dealer staged an intervention after listening to this song.
8. “Sam Stone”
This track by John Prine, an all-time hit known as America's greatest songwriter, portrays the dark realities of drug addiction in a haunting manner. In "Sam Stone," the intriguing story-line and powerful lyrics express a war veteran's downward spiral into drug use and his family's tragic aftermath. With its melancholic tune and impactful message, this song has rightfully earned its place among Prine's best works.
The vivid description of Sam Stone's addiction and his wife's struggles to cope with their children creates a sense of empathy for those who have suffered from substance abuse and its after-effects. Prine's unique ability to convey complex emotions through evocative storytelling is showcased beautifully in this track. The melancholic accompaniment further amplifies the emotional impact of this song.
The heart-wrenching content of "Sam Stone" may be difficult for some listeners, but it is undoubtedly one of John Prine's most profound compositions that rightly deserves all the attention it has received over the years.
Don't miss out on experiencing the profound message conveyed by John Prine in "Sam Stone." Whether you're a fan or not, this masterpiece should be on every music lover's playlist as an essential addition.
Taking a dip in the hauntingly beautiful 'Lake Marie' might leave you shivering more from the lyrics than the cold water.
9. “Lake Marie”
This John Prine classic, ranked ninth on the list, is a haunting story of love and loss set near Lake Marie. The song paints vivid imagery with its storytelling and features beautiful harmonies throughout.
"Lake Marie" tells the tale of two couples – John and Mary, and Louie and Kathy – who experience love, betrayal, and tragedy near the lake. The lyrics explore themes of regret, forgiveness, and ultimately acceptance.
One unique detail about this song is its intricate structure – it seamlessly weaves together multiple narratives into one cohesive story. Prine's signature fingerpicking style also adds a unique texture to the song's sound.
For those looking to appreciate "Lake Marie" even more, try listening with headphones to fully immerse yourself in the harmonies and layered instrumentals. Additionally, take some time to research the real-life inspiration behind the song's storyline for an even deeper understanding.
John Prine may have left us, but his music lives on – 'Summer's End' is proof that even in death, he remains one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
10. “Summer’s End”
This John Prine classic encapsulates the melancholy feeling of a bygone summer with an introspective reflection on life's passing seasons. It has a playful yet poignant melody that highlights Prine's knack for simple, memorable storytelling through songwriting. The lyrics evoke memories of love, loss, and the cyclical nature of life. In his signature hoarse voice, Prine sings about the fleeting nature of time and how we must cherish every moment.
"Summer's End" is a timeless gem that will remain etched in our memories forever.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
